Suspect and beaten man live in same halfway house
The 31-year-old man who was beaten unconscious in Maili on Monday did not fight back.
Steven Smith, 21, of Maili has been charged with second-degree assault for allegedly beating Nevada Velleses uncon- scious and causing him critical injuries.
Shortly before 8:30 p.m. Monday, police responded to a report of an unconscious man at Maili Beach Park.
Two women at the park said the suspect, later identified as Smith, punched Velleses in the head and face while Velleses was on the ground.
The witnesses said Velleses did not fight back, according to court documents. Velleses was taken in critical condition to the Queen's Memorial Center. Officials said his condition has improved.
Police then made checks on Linakola Street, the direction in which Smith was seen running. The officers discovered that Smith and Velleses both live at a halfway house at 87-140 Palakamana St. The two female witnesses identified Smith as the attacker.
Smith was charged Wednesday and a preliminary court appearance has yet to be scheduled. Smith remains in jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.
Smith, a convicted felon, was found guilty of second-degree burglary, fourth-degree theft and unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle in 2007 and was convicted of harassment in 2004.